In Germany's smallest state, traditional politics is in tatters

The demise of the centre-left SPD in Bremen could herald bigger changes nationwide

A bronze statue outside Bremen town hall reminds visitors this northern German port city inspired one of the world's most enduring fairytales. The Grimm Brothers' Town Musicians of Bremen tells the story of a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster who escape their masters and join forces to seek their fortunes in the city.

When Bremen, the smallest of Germany's 16 federal states, votes in regional elections on Sunday, held at the same time as the European parliamentary election, the result is likely to demonstrate a trend across the rest of the country. For German politics, the future could lie in once unimaginable collaborations as traditional parties fade.